XPRIZE Opens Registration for $2M Ocean Health Competition

Posted by Eric Haun

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

XPRIZE announced that team registration is open for the $2 million Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE, a competition to incentivize breakthroughs in ocean pH sensor technology that will radically transform our understanding of ocean acidification. Teams are expected to come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from nanotechnology and biotechnology to industrial chemistry and marine science -- from academic institutions, nonprofit organizations and small and medium enterprises. Or, as is the case with past XPRIZE competitions, anyone with a creative idea to revolutionize ocean pH sensor technology is encouraged to compete.

Starting today, teams interested in competing can register by visiting http://oceanhealth.xprize.org. Early registration is open through March 31, 2014, at a cost of $1,000. On April 1, 2014, registration fees will increase to $2,500 per team. Registration will close on June 30, 2014.

In addition to lower fees, teams that register early can benefit from a range of support services, including public relations efforts, venture capital partnerships, team member recruitment and more. Interested teams are also invited to attend the upcoming Oceanology International Conference in London, on March 11-13, 2014, to hear more about the prize from the XPRIZE team, meet fellow competitors, and receive valuable resources.

“Our goal with the Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE is not only to bring about breakthroughs in ocean pH sensing, but to catalyze the growth of the global ocean service industry,” said Paul Bunje, senior director of oceans, XPRIZE. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for professionals and amateurs alike to take the plunge and help solve one of the biggest grand challenges of our time.”

The Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE is a 22-month competition in which teams will compete for one or both of the two $1,000,000 purses – one for accuracy and one for affordability – to create a new generation of ocean pH sensors.

The breakthrough technologies developed by the Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE will immediately benefit industries on the front line – scientists, fisheries, marine managers – and everyone with a stake in healthy oceans. This prize will provide the tools needed to study and monitor ocean acidification and its impact on marine ecosystems, allowing these industries to anticipate, adapt to and mitigate the changes in ocean chemistry.

To register to compete, or for more information about the Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE, visit: http://oceanhealth.xprize.org